Macedonia and Canada foster excellent bilateral relations with positive developing dynamics without having open issues, it was concluded at meetings held in Ottawa between President Gjorge Ivanov and the Speaker of the House of Commons, Andrew Scheer and with the Senate Speaker, Noel Kinsella.

President Ivanov pointed out Macedonia's long-term interest in intensifying the political dialogue with Canada by organising high-ranking visits, thus extending invitations to Governor General David Johnston and Prime Minister Stephen Harper to visit Macedonia.

The Speaker of Canada's Senate Kinsella accepted an invitation to pay an official visit to Macedonia in the near future, Ivanov's cabinet said in a press release.

At the meetings, the interlocutors expressed content with the level of parliamentary cooperation between the countries welcoming the recent establishment of a parliamentary group for friendship with Macedonia in the Canadian Parliament.

"I am convinced that a positive development of the parliamentary dimension will contribute to further intensifying of the cooperation in all other areas of mutual interest," President Ivanov said underlying Macedonia's readiness and interest in boosting the business, cultural and scientific collaboration.

The President informed his interlocutors about the current developments in the name talks, stated the press release. Consequently, he highlighted the Macedonian constructiveness praising the boosted dynamics of the process. Ivanov noted that the judgement of the International Court of Justice in the Hague had reaffirmed Macedonia's constructive role and its initiatives to cooperate with Greece.

At the meetings, the significant role played by the Macedonian community in Canada was emphasised serving as a link between the two countries.

Speaking with his interlocutors, President Ivanov showed great interest in advancing the countries' economic cooperation and in increasing Canadian direct investments in Macedonia.

Moreover, Macedonia's head of state demonstrated interest in the liberalisation of the Canadian visa regime towards Macedonia and in improving the bilateral legal framework.